NC · 2 of 5 products legal online
Online gambling in North Carolina: what is legal
North Carolina launched online sports wagering on 11 March 2024, regulated by the State Lottery Commission, for players aged 21 and over. The Education Lottery sells draw games and digital instant games online to players aged 18 and over who are in the state. Online casino games and online poker are not legal. A long-standing law bans electronic sweepstakes machines, but its reach to online sweepstakes casinos has not been settled.
Checked 26 Oct 2026 against the state regulator, statutes and the sources listed for each product. Laws change; we update this page when they do.
Product by product
- Online casinos
Not legal online
Online casino gaming is not legal in North Carolina.
Reported by Legal Sports Report: online casinos guide (updated 14 Oct 2026)
- Sports betting
Legal and licensed21+since 11 Mar 2024
Online sports wagering is legal and live through licensed operators.
Source: NC Lottery Commission: Sports betting FAQsSports betting in North Carolina
- Poker
Not legal online
No regulated online poker in North Carolina.
Reported by Legal Sports Report: online casinos guide (updated 14 Oct 2026)
- Lottery
Legal and licensed18+
NC Education Lottery sells draw games and digital instants online; buyers must be in the state.
Source: NC Education Lottery: About Online PlayLottery in North Carolina
- Sweepstakes casinos
Being checked with the regulator
State law bans sweepstakes via sponsor-owned devices; no ruling or AG action on online sweeps; major operators accept NC.
Reported by UNC School of Government: 2025 Video Sweepstakes Update (6 Jan 2025)
Regulator and help
Who regulates gambling in North Carolina
North Carolina State Lottery CommissionNorth Carolina Education LotteryFree, confidential help
1-877-718-5543No Longer Just a Game? (NC Problem Gambling Helpline)
National Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-800-MY-RESET (call or text, 24/7).
NC Voluntary Self-Exclusion Program (sports wagering)Limits, self-exclusion and a two-minute self-checkRecent changes
11 Mar 2024
Online sports wagering launched after the Lottery Commission authorised operators to begin accepting bets. NC Lottery Commission (24 Jan 2024)
North Carolina: quick answers
Is online casino legal in North Carolina?
No. Online casino is not legal in North Carolina. Online casino gaming is not legal in North Carolina.
Is online sports betting legal in North Carolina?
Yes. Online sports betting is legal and regulated in North Carolina (since 11 Mar 2024). The minimum age is 21. Online sports wagering is legal and live through licensed operators.
Is online poker legal in North Carolina?
No. Online poker is not legal in North Carolina. No regulated online poker in North Carolina.
Is buying lottery tickets online legal in North Carolina?
Yes. Buying lottery tickets online is legal and regulated in North Carolina. The minimum age is 18. NC Education Lottery sells draw games and digital instants online; buyers must be in the state.
Is a sweepstakes casino legal in North Carolina?
We are still confirming the position in North Carolina. State law bans sweepstakes via sponsor-owned devices; no ruling or AG action on online sweeps; major operators accept NC.